Creating Joyful Family Holiday Traditions and Meaningful Celebrations

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The holiday season is a time of joy, family togetherness, and creating lasting memories. Planning meaningful family traditions is one of the best ways to ensure that joy is at the heart of your celebrations. Whether you’re looking to start new traditions or refresh beloved ones, these ideas will help you create joyful holiday moments that everyone in the family will cherish. I have included our family traditions and those shared by my social media friends.

 

Holiday light scavenger hunts

Thank you to my daughter for our newest annual event – the holiday light scavenger hunt! Our family loves to look at holiday lights. The scavenger hunt (either paper or digital) brings a lot of joy to our evenings together.

 

Gingerbread House decorating party

Each year, we host a gingerbread house decorating party with pre-made houses and tea party treats. There are oodles of decorations, from candy to frosting. Treats include homemade and store-bought holiday-themed snacks. My grandkids especially appreciate this time together.

 

Ladies Gathering

A friend gathers the ladies in her family together every Christmas Eve. When they started the tradition, everyone lived in the same city and they took turns hosting. Now that they are spread out, they have our brunch on Zoom

 

Special Family Outing

Every year a friend’s family goes to dinner in Houston, then goes see the Christmas show at Second Baptist Woodway campus. On the trip, they hit up Starbucks and Sprinkles Cupcakes in Highland Village, open the sunroof, and turn up the Christmas music while they drive through River Oaks looking at the Christmas lights and beautifully decorated homes.

 

Family Movie Binging

Every family has their favorite holiday movies to watch throughout the season. Families gather to watch a favorite Christmas movie like Elf, Home Alone, The Polar Express, or A Christmas Carol. Families watch Hallmark holiday movies throughout the season.

 

Christmas Eve Traditions

  • On Christmas Eve everyone gets one gift, which is family matching pajamas. The family fixes gumbo and crawfish etouffee for dinner and watches movies together.
  • Families gather together to read the Bible and share the story of the birth of Jesus.
  • Our family attends the Christmas Eve service. We gather early for a big feast of everything Italian, ending with cream puffs made each year by Gigi.

 

Chanukah Traditions

  • Families light the menorah and sing the Hebrew prayers each evening of Chanukah.
  • Preparing a dinner of fried foods, including latkes. Fried in oil, latkes symbolize the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. These are typically served with applesauce or sour cream.
  • Our family had the tradition of one gift each night of Chanukah, brought to us by the Chanukah Fairy.

 

Family stay-cation ideas

Maybe this holiday season you will be staying in town and want some fun family activities. I especially love seeing Zoo Lights and spending time at the zoo. There are lots of activities for all your family in the local Houston area.

 

I would love to hear your family traditions create the magic of the season and bring joy and connection to your home.

How to Boost Productivity This Fall by Tackling Small Tasks Immediately

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How to boost productivity by tackling small tasks immediately

 

As the school year continues and we continue to learn, it is the perfect time to reassess productivity strategies looking to find more efficiency for daily life.  We often put aside a small task, thinking it will take too long to complete yet never come back to it. An effective approach is to commit to tackling small tasks as soon as possible. You can reduce overwhelm by quickly tackling a task rather than adding it to a long list. Here’s how you can harness the power of this strategy.

 

The Benefits of Quickly Tackling Small Tasks

So many times you know you have a task and put it aside because you don’t have enough time. At the same time, that unfinished tasks remains on your mind. Unfinished tasks are mental clutter than keeps you from focusing fully on true priorities. You can’t think as clearly as a result.  Small tasks build up quickly and there is a sense of never completing a day productively. Completing tasks quickly gives you a boost of momentum and a sense of accomplishment.

 

Try out David Allen’s Two Minute Rule Strategy

According to David Allen in the New York Times best seller Getting Things Done, the Two Minute Rule states that “If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it’s defined.” The idea to quickly execute these tasks, rather than listing these, while you have the attention to that task. Throughout the day there are many opportunities to take advantage of theTwo Minute Rule such as responding quickly or deleting an email, dropping papers at the command center or even putting away underwear in a drawer.

 

Automating Small Tasks that Take Little Brain Power

Another way to capitalize on the momentum of small tasks done quickly is to create a routine for these. Routines are often the best way to automate small tasks. Set one or two time blocks as transition times during the day. This transition can also include movement to handle these tasks. Moving quickly between areas in your office give you the opportunity to stand, walk, and drop items off to make progress.

Build a bigger team and delegate

Small, one step tasks can be delegated too. Set up an immediate system for delegating with a virtual assistant. Clearly communicate the task and what the standard operating procedure should be. Keep communication lines open to know when the task is complete and when it should be completed again. Delegating gives you time for priorities and builds opportunities for future delegation of bigger tasks and projects

 

Real-Life Examples of Immediate Task Handling

Here are some ways you can start incorporating this strategy into your daily life.

  • Start viewing your email through the lens of the Two Minute Strategy. Check email and respond to those that need a quick response or calendar entry.
  • Tidy up your work space and desk at the end of the day to put away items and reset for an organized next day.
  • Return a quick phone call or text right away.
  • Create an awareness of what you consider a Two Minute task and make a list of these. During your Weekly Planning, review upcoming tasks and evaluate this for further efficiency.

How Tackling a Small Task Prevents Procrastination

A big asset to tackling small tasks is preventing procrastination. At times we think a task will take so much time when in reality it is initiation that is the challenge. Getting started is part of Executive Function where the brain does the work of organizing, planning and doing. By using this strategy, you are preventing procrastination in many ways. You have created a rule for yourself that gets you moving. You can use this rule now for any bigger task or project too. What can you start for two minutes to begin a project?

 

Maybe 10 or 15 minutes is your sweet spot for small tasks in short bursts. Boost your productivity with this new strategy for getting tasks started and done. Choose one or two tasks to start with and review your progress.

How to Boost Your Decluttering and Organizing this Fall (especially for those with ADHD)

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How to boost decluttering and organizing this fall

 

This year has been busy! Maybe you have not had time to declutter or organize this year because of family commitments, extra projects at work, or feeling overwhelmed. You are likely motivated but it seems overwhelming to get started. It may not be clear where to start.  Check out these ways to get started, keep going and finish up your decluttering and organizing. You will feel both productive and energized after you move forward.

 

  • Get motivated by visualizing your newly organized space. Keep hold of a strong “why” you are making this effort. These will help you get started and stay on task.
  • Start small by picking one area or one category. Choose a small space like a section of a closet, one drawer or one cabinet. Or choose to edit all shirts, all kitchen appliances or all office supplies.
  • Work in short bursts. Set a timer for 15 minutes and fill one bag to give away. Working in a small amount of time makes this time highly efficient and productive. Often 15 minutes of work leads to more time decluttering.
  • Make a plan.  Write an appointment with yourself to declutter. Break it into manageable chunks. A plan keeps you accountable and prioritizes this work.
  • Make it fun. There are lots of Spotify music lists and podcasts to listen to while decluttering. Have a fun beverage nearby to hydrate and work at your highest energy time.
  • Use post-it or large notes while you declutter and organize.  Your notes will be Donate, Distribute, and Trash. Be sure you can see those notes as you work.
  • Rely on your visual clues to organizing. The saying “out of sight is out of mind” is real. If you have too many of an item, that makes it hard to see it. Edit down to a manageable amount for storage and organizing.
  • Work with a clutter buddy. Your clutter buddy can be in person or virtual. Get on the phone or facetime with someone to help you make decisions as you declutter.
  • Limit distractions while you declutter. Keeping it easy to think and stay on task will make your time efficient.
  • Create a system. Every time you think twice about using an item, place it in the donate bag. That system will serve  you well in making the decision once.
  • Set rules that maintain your organization.  Clutter accumulates faster than we think. Create a rule that upholds your organizing. A rule might be only wear black to work. That way you limit incoming items. Make your rule easy to uphold with easy storage.
  • Use a checklist to make tasks manageable. A checklist helps you know what steps to take in order and keeps you from overthinking the project.
  • Finish strong with time to wrap up. Get items in your car to donate. Call a donation pick-up to come to your space. Write down your successes to remember for your next decluttering session.
  • Celebrate small wins with small rewards. That might be a bubble bath with a magazine or a shout out on social media.

Let’s clear the clutter and create the serene home you want!

ADHD Bill Paying Solutions

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bill paying

 

 

No matter how much money is in your bank account, for people with ADHD can be a a struggle to pay your bills.  Timelines, anxiety, math phobia, and paperwork challenges all add up to ADHD bill-paying problems.  Financial documents are a nightmare because of the details, multiple steps, and lack of consistency.  Not to mention those awful accruing late fees! It is likely best to have an understanding of each strategy to bill pay and how these can help you.

 

Pay by mail and set up a bill-paying center

  • Gather together your bills, a pencil, calculator, stamps, envelopes, checks, and manilla envelopes.
  • Open the envelopes of all the bills and mark the date due on each.
  • Divide the bills to pay according to the date due and the income in your checkbook.
  • Pay your bills either every day or 7 days ahead of due date.
  • This option is best if you feel less comfortable with technology.

Pay with online bill paying

  • Set up online bill pay using your bank’s services.  You will need one bill from each utility, including your account number.
  • Open your bills each day and write the due date on the envelope.
  • Check your balance weekly.
  • Pay your bills daily and set the due date for payment according to your balance and income.
  • This option is best if you want to create automatic bill paying.

 

Pay by phone.

  • Gather your bills and statements for paying by phone.
  • You will need your account number, bank routing number, and bank account.
  • Call the payment number and give the information requested.
  • This option is best for last-minute bill paying.

 

Money Management Binder

  • Set up your binder with tabbed slash pockets. Label the pockets: To be paid, January, February, March, etc.
  • Use this Monthly Bill Manager to list your bills and how you paid.

 

Bill Manager List

  • Place all bills in the binder as they arrive.
  • Write checks and pay online once a week. Call the day Money Monday or Financial Friday.  Set a reminder or put post-it notes to help you stay on top of your weekly commitment.
  • Keep the binder in the same place all the time so you can drop in bills and keep up with your weekly payments.

 

Auto debits and other automatic payments

There are likely payments that happen automatically from your account.  Make a list of these payments and the amounts taken out monthly. It creates a visual reminder for you and keeps you on track with your money.

Big Bills to Pay

Even with a great system, big surprises happen.  Make a list of the big bills you pay at different times during the year.  Payments for property tax, insurance, and estimated tax payments occur at random times throughout the year.  Go back through last year’s checkbook and create a list of these expenses.  Add these to your recurring reminders. Set aside money each month for these large payments.

 

Check your subscription services

Many times we have subscription services that drain accounts. These are services and products we may wish to discontinue. Create a log of these by reviewing your checking account, iPhone wallet, Amazon subscriptions and credit card accounts. Make a list of these monthly fees and be sure you are using these services wisely.

 

Routines for bill paying make the difference

No matter your method, bill paying happens when you have a set time of the month or a set routine to accomplish this task. Choose when it is best for you to sit down, focus, and follow through on this task depending on the income to your accounts. If you can, choose a once-a-week time to pay bills completely. You will be much wiser in knowing what is due and when it is due. You have a heads-up about incoming, large bills. Creating a routine that aligns with your paycheck eliminates stress.

 

 

 

 

Making Time and Space for What’s Important and Joyful to You

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making time and space for what's important and joyful to you

 

Life has a funny way of throwing us off balance just when we think we’ve figured things out. For the longest time, my business tagline has been “Making time and space for what’s important to you.”  I recently attended a new conference overflowing with educational offerings and experiences. When I attend professional development events, I expect to learn. This weekend I learned more than I could imagine.

 

Setting the stage

As a Certified Professional Organizer, I enjoy saying I am an overachiever in professional development. I attend two conferences each year as well as many virtual events. These events focus on ADHD, organizing, and productivity. Speakers share their stories as well as strategies. Of course, I love it when a celebrity rock star in my own profession shares their story! I listened to a presentation about goal setting and time management from speaker Tonia Misvaer, CEO of Erin Condren. Tonia spoke from the heart about her passion for making a difference and how she plans her year and adheres to her goals. She mentioned that her true north star was feeling joy + experiencing meaning through organization and productivity. This made me think.

 

Joy + Meaning

I have read often about the importance of meaning and purpose in our lives. It is what motivates me every day in the work I do. Working as a certified professional organizer, I am grateful every day for experiencing and witnessing life-changing opportunities. I help people prioritize what is important.

 

When we focus on joy, in addition to meaning, we create moments that transcend all the elements around us. Experiencing joy improves our health, broadens our perspective, and increases our resilience. Our immune system is boosted. We feel more positive and have hope.

Creating order and feeling productive are in themselves joyful ways to approach the world you live in. My word of the year is re-imagine. I am taking the combination of all these elements forward this year as I reconnect with playfulness. Here are some other ways you and I can all begin to experience joy + meaning.

  • Embrace the idea that at times I may not know why I am exactly doing something, but it feels awesome. That is being open to plans changing, (some) surprises popping up and enjoying the moment, or turning an ordinary afternoon into sitting in the sunshine rather than at the computer.
  • Practicing mindfulness to fully experience fun. My mind is busy with thoughts as is your mind. Being in the present helps me slow down and savor joyful moments I might miss.

 

Choosing your fun

Too many times I ask my clients about their fun and they stare back at me like deer in the headlights.  Research shows that people make a difference. Remember to surround yourself with uplifting, hopeful, joyful people. Laughter and smiles are contagious. In a world full of negativity, one of the best ways to protect your joy is by surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. Laughter is contagious, and when you’re around people who see the humor in life’s quirks. When we share joy with others, it amplifies and spreads.

Focusing on the good always brings out gratitude. Cultivate a gratitude practice that highlights the fun and joy you experience each day, no matter how small. Whether it’s the laughter from a funny conversation or a quiet moment of peace, recognizing these moments builds an appreciation for the joy that still exists, even in a mixed-up world.

 

Create the level of order that keeps you sane. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. Organizing to your level of what works makes it easier to enjoy life.

 

Organizing for the -ber Months

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Organizing for the BER months

 

The months of September, October, November, and December have recently been referred to as the “-ber” months!  These months celebrate time together, fresh starts for the season, seasonal treats, and celebrations. This is also the time we nest for winter, no matter the real temperatures. Here are some ways to celebrate the season with organizing.

 

Freshen up your planner

Grab a mug of your favorite fall beverage and your planner and get started! Your planner is your first step in organizing. Write in all the upcoming events and activities. Set time for holiday travel planning and dates for travel.  Add in home maintenance tasks like appointments for AC/Heater, gutters and critical system checks. Write a list of upcoming appointments to make such as a family photo for your holiday card. By adding dates to your planner for home organization and maintenance at the start of Fall you have a plan in place which lowers your stress.

Start preparing early for Fall holidays and celebrations. Work backward from your family celebrations to write in dates to chunk steps for each holiday. Write in when to take your family photo for your holiday cards, dates to grocery and gift shop, and all other small tasks that will make your holidays easier.

 

Freshen up your space

With new activities and cooler weather, you want areas of your home ready for fall fun.

  • Reset your landing strip where you come and go from your home. Move Summer items into their proper homes, Set up a system for the academics  and activities. Have a hook for each bag and hoodie. Make room for incoming and outgoing boxes.
  • Declutter your command center. Whether this is in your kitchen or your home office, now is the best time to get ready for all the paperwork, fall schedules and incoming information. Review what to keep and spend an hour filing your papers in your file area. Set a weekly time for an administrative time, depending on your new fall schedule.
  • Update your junk drawer. Clear out this space periodically to prevent it from getting out of control. It is easy to know what to toss and what to keep.
  • Refresh your pantry. Fall is about food including back-to-school lunches, fall treats, and Thanksgiving.
  • Say hello to your favorite fall sweater. Now is the time to pull out the fall clothing and tuck away summer clothing until next year. For your kiddos, check sizes and use bins to save clothes for your next younger kiddos. Keep only what can fit today in your kiddos’ drawers.
  • Check your medicine and first aid areas.  Declutter any expired medications and purchase what you need for the coming months. There is already a lot of sickness so be prepared with over-the-counter items and supplements. Check your prescriptions too. Pharmacies will take expired medication for proper disposal.
  • Declutter your bathroom counters and vanities. Take a few minutes and go through your cosmetics and personal hygiene products. Some products have not solved your challenges, so let those go to friends. Evaluate what you use each day and create an easy, functional, and attractive system for daily use.
  • Complete your organizing by adding touches of seasonal decor. Pumpkins, fall colors, and fall scents bring the season into our homes.

Find fun and energy this fall

Decluttering, organizing, and setting up systems in the -ber months all help you find more fun and energy for the fall. The goal of your fall organizing is to release what you do not need or love, reset your home, and prepare for fall fun. The best way to do this is to set time for fall self-care. Getting a good night’s rest, having more time outside, hydrating, and eating well are all the ways to energize and reset your frame of mind. If you have not done so, the first step is to set an adult bedtime for you to get ready for bed early in order to get rested.

 

Make the last quarter of the year the most organized and productive part of your year.

How to Break the Cycle of Overpurchasing

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How to break the cycle of overpurchasing

 

The holidays are quickly approaching. With little time and a lot going on, it is easy to purchase items “just in case.” Or, it might be  special something catches your eye when it is advertised on Instagram. Overpurchasing can lead to clutter, financial strain, and unnecessary stress. It’s become common because of the speed of life.  Here’s how to break the cycle of over-purchasing and freshen up your resolve to your financial goals.

 

Understanding Overpurchasing

On the surface, overpurchasing seems to be an easy solution when you have so little time and many things to do. Overpurchasing happens when you need a solution, but don’t know all the details like how many items are required or you want to get ahead for an activity so you are ready for a project. However, there are deeper reasons why overpurchasing happens. Overshopping can often be an emotional response to stress, boredom, or unhappiness.  A new purchase might seem to make you happy at that time. There is also the lure of a good deal. Sales and discounts create a sense of urgency and fear of missing out. These feelings can be a reason behind additional purchases.

 

Strategies for Breaking the Cycle

  • Start with a list. Like your grocery list, items on a list are an intentional purchase based on a need in your home. This routine will help you be intentional about your needs, as opposed to an impulsive purchase.
  • Create a routine for returns. When a purchase is unnecessary or an over purchase occurs, you can rectify this situation with a quick return. With so many online purchases, set a day once a week to make returns.
  • Organize and take inventory of what you own. Over-purchasing happens when you can’t find what you need quickly. Inventory categories where quick purchases happen. Make it easy to find what you need and put away items after use.
  • Set a budget for discretionary spending and stick to it. Track your expenses to stay accountable. Taking the extra step of tracking increases your awareness of impulsive purchases.
  • Track your purchases monthly and review where you are spending. Use online tools to help you find extra subscriptions that you do not want or need.
  • Choose new experiences to help you enjoy time outside. Choose walking, hiking, or biking to enjoy time in green space instead of online. You will also sleep better as well.
  • Practice gratitude for what you have to shift from what you lack to what you have. This reduces your desire to acquire.

 

Overpurchasing situations occur less often when you are mindful of your routines and when you take time for your Weekly Planning. Your knowledge about your purchases gives you data to use your resources wisely according to your financial goals. Try out these new strategies to prevent stress by being proactive.

 

How to Master the Two Most Challenging Chores at Home: Laundry and Meal Prep

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how to master the two most challenging routines at home laundry and meal prep

 

No one likes to do chores and there are countless chores to do. Two of the most demanding responsibilities at home are laundry and meal prep. This is likely because these are both ongoing responsibilities with multiple steps. By understanding the challenges of these chores and implementing practical solutions, you can move from being overwhelmed to being in charge.

Obstacles of the never-ending laundry pile

Laundry is often described as never-ending. Overflowing hampers, piles of clothes on the floor show, and the constant need for clean clothes can be overwhelming and discouraging. In addition, there are many steps in the process including sorting, washing, drying, folding, and putting away. Drying ranges from hanging to folding. Folding can require precision. Putting away is a consistent challenge in most homes. Many people think more clothes means less laundry which is truly the opposite case. When you procrastinate the challenges get bigger. You can see where this system can be easily be broken.

 

Solutions to laundry challenges

  • The core of laundry completion lies in routines. Set a specific day for laundry or do laundry every day. A specific day means you will have sufficient clothes during that time period. Having that day set aside for laundry means you are at home and can do a few other chores between loads. You can assign a day to your kiddos to do their laundry to teach them these skills. Another option is to do laundry every day. Daily laundry means you can do smaller loads. Working with smaller loads it is easier to finish the task because it is less overwhelming. Routines are a key part of the system you create.
  • Simplicity makes laundry easier. Instead of a laundry hamper, throw the clothes directly into the washer. When the washer is full, do a complete load. Separate your loads by person or by items. You can wash only towels and sheets one day and only underwear and exercise one day. With categories, you are folding and putting away like items which is less tedious.
  • Make laundry fun – or as fun as possible. Listen to a podcast or playlist while folding. Host a laundry party with your family. Partner up with a friend or family member to do laundry together.
  • Remember it is not about perfection but about completion. If you and your kiddos are not good at folding, use bins. Declare sock bankruptcy and let go of all your solo socks when you have too many to match.

 

Conquer the kitchen chaos

Meal prep feels like all too much with the demands of work, school, and extracurricular activities. Each step of planning, preparing, and clean up takes ample time. Deciding what to cook can be exhausting and stressful. Many families have multiple dietary needs which complicates meal planning. There is a lot of pressure to provide carefully planned nutritious means. Keeping meals varied, nutritious, and served at a time everyone can eat makes this effort more than you can manage.

 

Making meals happen

To the rescue is streamlining your meal prep process and enjoying stress-free mealtimes!

  • A little structure helps the meal planning system. Assign days to each step of the meal planning and prepping process. Each step should have an assigned day or be completed in one long day.
  • Try batch cooking and preparing double recipes.  Store these in portion-sized containers for use another week.
  • Using semi-homemade and pre-cooked ingredients makes assembling meals a breeze. A rotisserie chicken can be made into a chicken pot pie, chicken noodle soup, and chicken and dumplings. Frozen veggies are a nutritious easy-to-prepare side to go along with a protein.
  • Remember the goal of dinner is time together. Sandwiches, soups, cereal, and charcuterie boards count for dinner. The less prep, the less clean up, and the less mess the better.
  • Kitchen appliances have come a long way. An Instapot or crockpot saves you time preparing dinner. Using these once a week these become life-savers.
  • Just like laundry, meal prep is a great family activity. It also helps your kiddos learn math and reading. Assign partners for meal prep and clean up to help make dinner easier to do.

Balancing the Load

While laundry and meal prep are definitely a challenge, they don’t have to be overwhelming. These practical tips can help you conquer these chores. Remember, the key is to establish routines, plan ahead, keep it simple and do what works for you and your family.

How to keep sane in a world of uncertainty

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how to keep sane in an uncertain world

 

If you’ve been struggling this Summer with feeling overwhelmed, this is the post for you! This fall, it’s time to embrace powerful life hacks that can improve your life every day. It is all about keeping sane with the uncertainty around us, as well as the dizzying pace of life. These are how I make each day better with a better frame of mind and positivity because of the routines I have created. Here is how I keep sane in an uncertain and super-busy world.

Start Your Day with a Walk, coffee on the patio, or any time outside

Research shows the power of morning sunlight. It improves your cognitive function all day and helps you get better rest. You need between 15 and 20 minutes daily, which can be more difficult during the winter. Start this fall before the time change, and you will see the difference this makes.

Practice Gratitude

No matter the challenges, focusing on gratitude and appreciation makes your day better. Find the small ways that each day goes well. There are so many ways to capture your gratitude. You can record this with your device camera, on an app, or with a gratitude journal.

Have an Adult Bedtime

For me, there is a window of opportunity for rest. I take advantage of the fact that I am getting drowsy by getting ready for bed early, taking my supplements, and being ready to snooze. If this doesn’t work for you, create a sleep routine that encourages 8 hours of sleep. Your routine can include a 2-hour hiatus from devices, a well-chilled room, and complete darkness. Choose what works for you to get a great night’s rest. Even if no one else goes to bed in your home, you can!

Keep it simple sweetie

Everyone gets overwhelmed at some time. Keep life simple by prioritizing what is most important. Drill down to your core values. Embrace those and be sure your calendar, your space, and your connections revolve around these. From there you find clarity and peace of mind.

Practice a pause

With the speed of life at maximum velocity, it is not possible to do what is best all the time. Information and decisions came at you at a speed beyond capability. Use the power of  pause to help you gain insight and clarity.  Take the opportunity to ask for a pause from those you work with or at home to be able to clear your mind.

 

Build a Board of Advisors

It would help if you had support in all you do, whether at work or at home. Cultivate relationships that support your best interests. Find those who are your trusted, truthful, loyal friends who will share honestly with you. Be a trusted advisor yourself to others around you.

 

 

Revitalize Your Fall: Essential Self-Care Practices Empower a Refresh

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revitalize your fall

 

Life is moving at warp speed. You may not have had a chance during summer to regroup and rest. As you enter the next season, it is the perfect time to focus on self-care. You have the opportunity to refresh your routines and prioritize your well-being. Your self-care has a direct impact on your stress level, your mood, and your productivity.  Here are some essential self-care practices that can revitalize your self-care.

 

Start with your routines

In the Fall we are returning to routines and structure. Starting a new routine with self-care is the best first step. Add in a small baby step for self-care as a new part of an existing routine or as the start of a new routine. Start the week on Sunday with a new routine of getting organized that evening. Set up all your fall doctor, dentist, and other appointments at the beginning of the school year. Choose a new exercise program with a once-a-week class.  Use a new app to reinforce your routine. The start of something new gives you a fresh opportunity with routines. Good self-care begins with an approach to cultivating healthy habits with routines and sleep.

 

Declutter and organize

One of the best gifts of self-care is editing and arranging your space. Place a shopping bag in your closet to drop in discarded clothes as you get ready in the morning. Set a 10-minute timer for a quick reset in your home. Start with small areas and move gradually around your home and work. Build self-care when adding a scent and cozy blankets to a quiet space. Take some time to declutter and organize your home to enjoy your space.

 

Embrace the green space

Research shows the powerful positive effects of spending time in nature. While the beginning of fall can be hot, the weather eventually turns to cooler temperatures and a beautiful change of seasons. You can reconnect with nature by walking 10k steps, picking seasonal fruits, or riding a bike. There a few things that cannot be cured by a dose of green space. There are so many possibilities to bring you joy and serenity.

 

Go back to school for what you love

Find what you love and make it an active part of your week. You need creative outlets, learning, and connections to thrive. All of these factors make daily life joyful. Set aside time for hobbies, reading a book and lunch with friends and family.

 

Empower your physical well-being

A change of seasons is a chance to incorporate new produce into your diet. Just like pumpkin spice, Fall veggies offer an abundance of new tastes. Eating fresh food boosts your immunity and supports overall health. Choose a new water flask to support your everyday hydration. Resume your early bedtime to adhere to an improved sleep schedule for the Fall.

 

Prioritize Mental Health

Each day find a small time to make yourself a priority. That can be with a gratitude journal with a shift of focus to all that is good and special in your life. Keep distractions to a minimum and use social media wisely with boundaries, especially at bedtime.  Remember, there is much available to support you whether it is a therapist, coach, family member, or online group.  The key is to ask for help when it is needed.

 

Fall is a season of change and renewal. If you are sad about the end of Summer or balking at the return to the structure of the Fall, self-care is the best antidote. By incorporating these self-care practices into your routine, you can revitalize your mind, body, and spirit. Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Taking care of yourself allows you to be your best self and face the challenges and joys of each day with resilience and grace.

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